Control system mounting arrangement for an agricultural implement

ABSTRACT

An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/605,198, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR ANAGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT”, filed Sep. 6, 2012, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to ground working equipment, such asagricultural equipment, and more specifically, to a control systemmounting arrangement for an agricultural implement.

Generally, fertilizer application implements are towed behind a tractoror other work vehicle via a hitch assembly secured to a rigid frame ofthe implement. These fertilizer application implements typically includeone or more ground engaging tools or openers that form a path forfertilizer deposition into the soil. The openers are used to break thesoil, thereby enabling injection nozzles (e.g., positioned behind theopeners) to deposit fertilizer at a desired depth beneath the soilsurface. In certain embodiments, the implement may include knives (e.g.,positioned behind the openers), instead of injection nozzles, to flowthe liquid fertilizer into respective trenches formed by the openers andthe knives. Using such implements, fertilizer may be distributedthroughout a field, either before or after planting, to facilitateenhanced crop development.

A fertilizer application implement may include a storage tank to house aflowable agricultural product for distribution throughout a field. Apump may direct the flowable agricultural product from the storage tankto the injection nozzles or knives. Typically, control systems used tocontrol application of the flowable agricultural product are locatednear the pump. Certain flowable agricultural products, such asfertilizer, may be corrosive to components of the agriculturalimplement. Improper fittings or leaks in conduits carrying fertilizermay cause the fertilizer to contact the control system located near thepump. Unfortunately, fertilizer that contacts the control system maycorrode components within the control system, thereby reducing thelongevity of the control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a storage tank, apump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and acontrol system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank.The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product.The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product outof the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to controlapplication of the flowable agricultural product.

In another embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a plurality ofrow units, a storage tank having a first longitudinal end and a secondlongitudinal end, a pump disposed proximate to the first longitudinalend of the storage tank, a flow controller disposed proximate to thesecond longitudinal end of the storage tank, and wheels longitudinallypositioned between the pump and the flow controller. The plurality ofrow units is configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to afield. The storage tank is configured to hold the flowable agriculturalproduct. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agriculturalproduct out of the storage tank. The flow controller is configured tocontrol delivery of the flowable agricultural product from the pump tothe plurality of row units. The pair of wheels is configured to at leastpartially support the agricultural implement.

In a further embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a framehaving a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a storagetank configured to hold a flowable agricultural product, a pumppositioned below the frame proximate to the first longitudinal end ofthe frame, and a control system positioned above the frame proximate tothe second longitudinal end of the frame. The frame is configured tosupport the storage tank. The pump is configured to direct the flowableagricultural product out of the storage tank. The control system isconfigured to control application of the flowable agricultural productto a field.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an agriculturalimplement having a flow controller mounted remotely from a pump;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the agricultural implement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a flow controller of theagricultural implement of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the agriculturalimplement of FIG. 1 having a control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an agriculturalimplement 10 having a flow controller mounted remotely from a pump. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the implement 10 is configured to be towedalong a direction of travel 12 by a work vehicle, such as a tractor orother prime mover. The work vehicle may be coupled to the implement 10by a hitch assembly 14, such as the illustrated “goose neck” pull frame.As illustrated, the hitch assembly 14 is coupled to a main frame 16 ofthe implement 10 to facilitate towing of the implement 10 in thedirection of travel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the main frame 16supports a storage tank 18 configured to house a flowable agriculturalproduct, such as liquid fertilizer. The storage tank 18 may be asubstantially cylindrical vessel. A pair of wheels 20 coupled to themain frame 16 is configured to support the weight of the frame 16, thestorage tank 18, and the flowable agricultural product, thereby enablingthe implement 10 to be towed across the field.

The implement 10 is configured to transfer the flowable agriculturalproduct from the storage tank 18 to multiple row units 22 of a tool barassembly 24. Each row unit 22 includes a ground engaging tool 26configured to break the soil, thereby excavating a trench into the soil.An injection nozzle 28 or knife (e.g., positioned behind the groundengaging tool) is configured to deposit flowable agricultural productfrom the storage tank 18 into the trench formed by the ground engagingtool 26. In certain embodiments, the penetration depth of the groundengaging tools 26 is adjustable to facilitate deposition of theagricultural product at a desired depth beneath the soil surface.Accordingly, a flowable agricultural product, such as liquid fertilizer,may be distributed throughout a field, either before or after planting,to facilitate enhanced crop development.

While the illustrated implement 10 includes 25 row units 22, it shouldbe appreciated that alternative implements may include more or fewer rowunits 22. In addition, the number of row units and the spacing betweenrow units may be particularly selected to correspond to the arrangementof row units on respective seeding or planting implements. For example,the implement 10 may include 25 row units 22 spaced 30 inches from oneanother. Accordingly, as the implement 10 is towed across a field, therow units 22 deposit fertilizer in rows having 30-inch spacing. Afterthe fertilizer is applied, a seeding or planting implement (e.g., havingrow units spaced 30 inches from one another) may deposit seeds betweenthe rows of fertilizer (e.g., at the approximate midpoint between rows),thereby facilitating enhanced crop development. In addition, theimplement 10 may be utilized to apply fertilizer to previously plantedseeds (e.g., via injecting fertilizer between rows of previously plantedseeds).

One or more controls of a control system 29 are configured to controlthe deposition of the fertilizer by the row units 22. In someembodiments, actuators 30 may adjust the height of at least some of therow units 22 of the tool bar assembly 24 (e.g., to change the number ofrows to be fertilized). The actuators 30 may adjust the height of therow units 22 using hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons, and/or electricmotors. An actuator controller 32 (e.g., hydraulic controller) ismounted on the agricultural implement 10 to control the actuators 30. Insome embodiments, a hydraulic controller is fluidly coupled to eachactuator 30, and is configured to control the height of at least some ofthe row units 22 relative to the field. A flow controller 34 is mountedon the agricultural implement 10, and is configured to direct thefertilizer through conduits to the injection nozzles 28 to deposit thefertilizer into soil.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator controller 32 and the flowcontroller 34 are mounted proximate to the hitch assembly 14. In thisconfiguration, the main frame 16, the storage tank 18, and/or the wheels20 may at least partially shield external portions of the actuatorcontroller 32 and the flow controller 34 from contact with thefertilizer (e.g., from sprays, leaks, etc.), which may otherwise corrodesome components of the controllers 32 and 34 (e.g., such as exposedcomponents of the controllers 32, 34) upon contact and/or afterprolonged exposure. Shielding and/or separating the controllers 32, 34from external exposure to at least some of the fertilizer may reduce themaintenance time and costs associated with the controllers 32, 34.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the agricultural implement 10 of FIG. 1. Asdiscussed above, the flowable agricultural product (e.g., liquidfertilizer) is stored within the storage tank 18. In some embodiments,the fertilizer may enter the storage tank 18 through an inlet 36 and avalve 38, as shown by an arrow 40. A pump 42 receives the fertilizerfrom the storage tank 18, and directs the fertilizer through one or moresupply lines 44 to the flow controller 34. The fertilizer in the storagetank 18 may be at atmospheric pressure. The pump 42 may pressurize thefertilizer in the supply lines 44 up to approximately 80, 100, 120, or140 psi, or any subrange therein. In some embodiments, a filter 46 isconfigured to filter the fertilizer before, or after, the fertilizerflows through the pump 42. The storage tank 18 has a first end 48 (e.g.,back end), a second end 50 (e.g., front end), a top portion 52, and abottom portion 54. As shown in FIG. 2, the pump 42, the inlet 36, thevalve 38, and the filter 46 are positioned proximate to the first end48. In some embodiments, the pump 42 is positioned at the first end 48(e.g., back of the agricultural implement 10). A motor 56 may be mountedproximate to the pump 42 to drive the pump 42.

The external surfaces of the components proximate to the first end 48may be exposed to a greater amount of fertilizer than the externalsurfaces of the components proximate to the second end 50. For example,fertilizer may spray, drip, seep, and/or otherwise contact componentsnear the first end 48 during routine maintenance and/or operation. Asanother example, fertilizer from the filter 46 may contact components atthe first end 48 when replacing the filter 46. In some embodiments,fertilizer may drip or seep from connections between the pump 42, thevalve 38, the filter 46, and the supply lines 44 when connectedimproperly and/or due to wear of the components. The pump 42, the inlet36, and the valve 38 may be positioned at, or below, the bottom portion54 of the storage tank 18 and the frame 16 to reduce the exposure of theframe 16, the storage tank 18, and the other components to fertilizer(e.g., via dripping fertilizer).

The flow controller 34 of presently contemplated embodiments may bespatially (e.g., longitudinally) separated from the pump 42 and othercomponents positioned near the first end 48. Further, the flowcontroller 34 is in fluid connection with the pump 42 through the one ormore supply lines 44. The spatial separation between the flow controller34 and the pump 42 may reduce contact of exposed components of the flowcontroller 34 to the fertilizer. The flow controller 34 is positionedproximate to the second end 50, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments,the flow controller 34 is positioned longitudinally in front (arrow 58)of the second end 50. Arrow 58 is parallel to the direction of travel 12and is directed forward in the longitudinal direction. The flowcontroller 34 may be positioned vertically above (arrow 60) the pump 42to reduce the likelihood of fertilizer flowing along the outside of oneor more supply lines 44 to the flow controller 34. Arrow 60 isperpendicular to arrow 58, and is directed upward in the verticaldirection. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow controller 34 may bepositioned above the bottom portion 54 of the storage tank 18.

As discussed above, the wheels 20 are configured to support the frame 16and the storage tank 18 of the agricultural implement 10. Each of thewheels 20 may have a tire 62 disposed about a rim 64 that rotates via anaxle 66. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 16 is positioned above the axle66. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 20 are positionedlongitudinally between the pump 42 and the flow controller 34. Forexample, the tire 62 may be positioned to substantially shield the flowcontroller 34 from a direct, or indirect, spray of fertilizer from thepump 42 or the valve 38. In some embodiments, the second end 50 of thestorage tank 18 is located in front of the axle 66 in the longitudinaldirection 58, and the first end 48 of the storage tank 18 is locatedbehind the axle 66. The flow controller 34 may be positioned in front ofand above the pump 42 with one of the wheels 20 positioned spatially(e.g., longitudinally) therebetween.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the flow controller 34 ofthe agricultural implement 10. The flow controller 34 is configured toreceive the fertilizer from the pump 42 via the supply line 44, and tocontrol application of the fertilizer to the field. The flow controller34 may include a flow meter 68, a control valve 70, and a controlmanifold 72. The control manifold 72 is configured to direct thefertilizer from the supply line 44 into conduits 74 coupled to the rowunits 22. The flow meter 68 is configured to measure flow rate of thefertilizer into the control valve 70. The control valve 70 receives thefertilizer from the flow meter 68, and is configured to control (e.g.,meter) the fertilizer flow into the control manifold 72. In someembodiments, a circuit board 76 is electrically coupled to the flowmeter 68 and to the control valve 70. The circuit board 76 may haveprocessing circuitry 78 (e.g., CPU) configured to adjust the controlvalve 70 based at least in part on feedback from the flow meter 68 and adesired flow rate for the row units 22. In some embodiments, a motor 80is configured to adjust (e.g., open, close) the control valve 70 tochange the fertilizer flow rate through the flow controller 34, and/orto direct the fertilizer to certain row units 22. As may be appreciated,one or more solenoids 82 may be configured to control the fertilizerflow through the control valve 70 and the control manifold 72. Thesolenoids 82 may be used to direct the fertilizer to certain row units22. Some components (e.g., the circuit board 76, the processor 78, themotor 80, the solenoids 82) of the flow controller 34 may besubstantially shielded internally from the fertilizer flowing throughthe flow controller 34. The internal surfaces of the flow meter 68, thecontrol valve 70, and the control manifold 72 may be constructed fromsubstantially non-reactive materials, and are configured to receive anddirect the fertilizer without significantly reacting with thefertilizer.

As discussed above, the position of the flow controller 34 on theagricultural implement 10 may substantially shield the flow controller34 from external exposure to the fertilizer. FIG. 4 illustrates anembodiment of the agricultural implement 10 of FIG. 1 with a controlsystem 29 having an actuator controller 32 (e.g., a hydraulic controller84) and the flow controller 34 to control application of the fertilizerto the field. The hydraulic controller 84 is configured to directhydraulic fluid along hydraulic lines 86 to the actuators 30 to controlthe height of the row units 22 relative to the field. The hydrauliccontroller 84 may be configured to control a downward pressure on therow units 22, such as by actuating the wheels on the tool bar assembly24 to control the penetration depth of the ground engaging tools 26. Asdiscussed above, the flow controller 34 may be configured to control theflow rate of the fertilizer applied to the field.

The pump 42 is positioned below the frame 16 proximate to the first end48. In contrast, the hydraulic controller 84 and the flow controller 34are positioned proximate to the second end 50. The flow controller 34may be positioned above the frame 16. The hydraulic controller 84 may bepositioned below the frame 16. In some embodiments, the controllers 84,34 are positioned longitudinally in front of the second end 50 near acentral axis 88 of the storage tank 18. The pump 42 may be positionedaway from the central axis 88 in a lateral direction shown by arrow 90.Positioning the controllers 84, 34 near the central axis 88 and the pump42 away from the central axis 88 places at least a portion of thestorage tank 18 spatially between the pump 42 and the controllers 84,34. The portion of the storage tank 18 spatially between the pump 42 andthe controller 84, 34 at least partially deflects a direct spray offertilizer from the pump 42 to the controller 84, 34. In the illustratedembodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the controllers 84, 34is positioned vertically above (arrow 60) the frame 16 at the second end50 longitudinally in front (arrow 58) of the wheel 20, near the centralaxis 88. The pump 42 is positioned below the frame 16, behind the wheel20, and a lateral distance away (arrow 90) from the central axis 88. Inthis configuration, portions of the frame 16, the storage tank 18, andthe wheels 20 are spatially between the pump 42 and the controllers 84,34. Positioning at least portions of the frame 16, the storage tank 18,and/or the wheels 20 between the controllers 84, 34 and the pump 42enables the frame 16, the storage tank 18, and/or the wheels 20 to atleast partially shield the controllers 84, 34 from the fertilizer, suchas a direct spray of fertilizer from the pump 42, the inlet 36, thevalve 38, and/or the filter 46. This configuration may reduce theexposure of the controllers 84, 34 to drips, sprays, or leaks of thefertilizer as compared to configurations in which each is controller ispositioned proximate to the first end 48.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An agricultural implement, comprising: astorage tank configured to hold a flowable agricultural product; a frameconfigured to support the storage tank; a pump positioned at or below abottom portion of the storage tank, wherein the pump is configured toreceive the flowable agricultural product from the storage tank; a flowcontroller of a control system longitudinally separated from andpositioned above the pump, wherein the flow controller is configured toreceive the flowable agricultural product from the pump, and the flowcontroller is configured to control application of the flowableagricultural product; and wheels configured to at least partiallysupport the agricultural implement, wherein the wheels arelongitudinally positioned between the pump and the flow controller. 2.The agricultural implement of claim 1, comprising a plurality ofinjection nozzles, wherein the flow controller is configured to controla flow rate of the flowable agricultural product from the pump to theplurality of injection nozzles.
 3. The agricultural implement of claim1, wherein the flowable agricultural product comprises a fluidfertilizer.
 4. The agricultural implement of claim 1, wherein the framecomprises a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal endopposite the first longitudinal end, the pump is positioned proximate tothe first longitudinal end, and the flow controller is positionedproximate to the second longitudinal end.
 5. The agricultural implementof claim 1, wherein the flow controller comprises at least one of acircuit board, a solenoid, and a motor.
 6. The agricultural implement ofclaim 1, wherein the flow controller is spatially disposedlongitudinally in front of the storage tank relative to a direction oftravel of the agricultural implement.